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Last night, the FAA grounded United's six 787s, the only ones in operation by a U.S. carrier, until the cause of battery fires can be investigated and fixed. At the time, the FAA said it expected other countries would follow its lead.

There’s no timetable at present for when the planes might be restored to service. It’s also unclear what exactly the problem and solution might be. It’s unclear whether it will be a quick fix, or something complicated that might mean the entire Dreamliner fleet’s wings are clipped for days or weeks to come.

Beyond the nightmare public relations scenario Boeing now faces as its incredibly expensive, showpiece planes sit in chocks, now Poland’s airline, LOT, says it may ask Boeing for compensation, according to The Associated Press.

This article first appeared on POLITICO Pro at 9:26 a.m. on January 17, 2013.